Ked Meade

Key discussions during the meeting included reviewing draft minutes from prior meetings. The Town Engineer reported on the Phase 3 Water project, noting receipt of categorical exclusion environmental approval but pending easements, and announced the merger of The Lane Group with Rinker Design & Associates (RDA), resulting in a transition of client representation. The Town Manager's report covered a resolution to reappoint Tyler McFarland to the Planning Commission, the renewal of the Sanctuary Resolution concerning Second Amendment rights, updates on annual finance disclosures and Conflict-of-Interest Training deadlines, review of LOVE sign design edits, presentation of a garage site plan, scheduling a meeting regarding the Isaiah 117 House location, and noting interest from candidates for a Planning Commission vacancy, as well as an inquiry from a property owner regarding potential sale of a garage to the Town. Committee reports mentioned the Planning Commission's request for Council to review the Camping Ordinance, a garage site plan, and parking regulations. Council members discussed the Camping Ordinance's terminology regarding "sleeping intent" and the renewal of the Second Amendment Resolution.

Key discussions included addressing citizen concerns regarding speeding on Aviation Road and truck routes, prompting the Public Safety Committee to review sign ordinances and speed mitigation options. The Council approved the reappointment of Tyler McFarland to the Planning Commission and authorized Resolution 05-2026 concerning the sale of water revenue bonds not to exceed $1,762,000. A joint public hearing was authorized for February 3rd, 2026, to discuss a proposed Camping and Sleeping in Public Ordinance and the McNutt Site Plan review for a garage construction. Funds totaling $331,233 were appropriated from the Appalachian Regional Commission for the Sunrise Village Water Extension Project. Updates were provided on the sidewalk project, modular home definitions, and tax reassessments. Discussions also covered the Isaiah 117 House proposal, funding for the Skate Park landscaping, a proposal for a dirt bike trail dedication, and the issuance of an RFP for a mural project. Council debated the necessity of reauthorizing a previous resolution regarding a sanctuary declaration, ultimately approving the printing of the existing Resolution 04-2026 in The Post.

The workshop meeting included a review of draft minutes from previous meetings. A significant portion was dedicated to a presentation by the Expansion Coordinator for the Isaiah 117 House, discussing their mission to establish a house in the area to provide a safe waiting environment for children removed from their homes, detailing operational budgets, land acquisition methods, and fundraising events. The Town Engineer provided an update on ongoing projects, noting Phase 1B cleanup completion and progress on Phase 3 and East Stone Gap design. The Town Manager reviewed several items, including a resolution authorizing the Town Manager signatory authority for the VA Outdoors Foundation Grant, updates on the Skate Park, sidewalk construction, potential pole setting areas for MECC's lineman program, delays in GSA parking lot work until January 2026, and scheduling for employee events like the Christmas lunch, parade, tree lighting, Festival of Trees, and Greenbelt in Lights rides. Updates were also provided on the Organizational Meeting schedule and the status of the Italy Bottom Community Development Project. Committee reports mentioned a permit issue given to the Town Attorney. Council members expressed appreciation for the Isaiah 117 House initiative, discussed concerns regarding library lighting, and reflected on the growth and accomplishments of the downtown area and town infrastructure over recent years.

The Regular Council Meeting included a petition from a resident concerning an ordinance violation related to property values, which the Council noted was under review by the town attorney for interpretation. Key business involved approving the agenda and subsequently the general order of business, which included receiving departmental reports for November 2025. The Council passed Resolution 24-2025, authorizing the Town Manager to administer the Virginia Outdoors Foundation Grant #1673. Updates were provided on ongoing projects, including the Skate Park completion timeline and waiting on a concrete quote, status updates on grants for Big Cherry, East Stone Gap, and Italy Bottom, and notification of an upcoming retirement of an employee with 28 years of service. Council members offered concluding remarks, thanking employees and reflecting positively on recent community events like the Greenbelt in Lights and the Christmas parade.

The organizational meeting involved several key actions effective January 1st, 2026. Council proceeded with the election of Gary Johnson as Mayor by acclamation, followed by his administration of the Oath of Office. Kent Gilley was subsequently elected as Vice-Mayor by a majority vote. The Council then voted to appoint Amanda L. Hawkins as Town Clerk/Treasurer and Stephen Lawson as Town Manager, administering the Oath of Office to both. Charles Bledsoe was appointed as Town Attorney for Civil Matters. Furthermore, the schedule for future Council Workshop Meetings (1st Tuesday of each month at 6:30 pm) and Regular Council Meetings (2nd Tuesday of each month at 6:30 pm) was established. Finally, the Council adopted Resolution 01-2026 defining signatory authority for corporate bank business requiring two out of three authorized signatures, and Resolution 02-2026 allowing electronic banking transactions up to $250,000 with one authorized signature.